Goddess Durga is the mother of the universe. She is the power behind the creation, preservation, and destruction of the world. The goddess is an incarnation of Devi. She carries varies weapons and rides a lion, her vehicle. She is the slayer of the demon, Mahisasura hence she is also known as Mahisasuramardini. The goddess has different forms that are worshiped during the Navaratri. The Hindu texts prescribe the rituals that are to be followed while worshipping the goddess. It also prescribes the mantras to be recited during the pujas. The method of worshipping the goddess is discussed below:
Invocation
First the invocation ceremony is conducted where the goddess is worshipped with flowers. The worshipper chants the following mantra while praying to the deity.
Anekaratnasamyuktam nanamanigananvitam Idatm hemamayarm divyamasanam pratigrhyatam |
Srijagadambayai durgadevyai namah Asanarthe puspani samarpayami || Offering of water for washing
Water is brought from the Ganga River to wash the feet of the goddess.
Presentation (arghya)
The worshipper offers this presentation of arghya that comprises of fragrance, flowers, unbroken rice etc. He then recites the following hymn
Gandhapuspaksatairyuktamarghyam sampdditam mayd Grhana tvam mahadevi prasanna bhava sarvada Srijagadambayai dugradevyai namah Hastayoh arghyam samarpayami||
The mouth of the deity is then rinsed with water and she is bathed with different types of items such as milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar. While offering these the worshipper recites mantras from the texts. The goddess is also offered scented water. Following the bathing ceremony, the goddess is offered sandal paste, turmeric paste, saffron, kumkum, vermillion, collyrium, durba grass and wood apple leaves.
Offering of Ornaments
Goddess Durga is adorned with different types of gorgeous ornaments such as garland, bangles, bracelets, armlets, waistband, kundalas etc. These are usually made of gold and studded with gems.
The goddess is then worshipped with incense sticks and lamps that are lit with ghee. She is offered eatables known as `Naivedya.` After the naivedya offering, water should be offered for sipping, rinsing of mouth, and washing of hands. The seasonal fruit and betal leaf are also offered to the deity. Worshippers thereafter circumambulate the goddess reciting mantras. It is believed that by circumambulating the devotees can get rid off all the sins.
Salutation
At the end the worshipper recites the salutation mantra and offers flowers at the feet of the goddess. The mantra recited is as follows:
Ya devi sarvabhutesu matrrupena samsthita I Namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah II Srijagadambayai durgadevyai namah I Namaskaran samarpayami ll
After reciting the above mantras the worshiper should bow in reverence to the goddess and then sprinkle the sanctified water of her feet over his head.
